How Do I Get Sap Off My Gear?

How do I remove pine sap from my down sleeping bag (and other gear for that matter)?

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Question:

How do I remove pine sap from my down sleeping bag (and other gear for that matter)?

Submitted by - Brenda, St. Petersburg, FL

Answer:

Pine sap is one of those things that can be a total pain in the ass if you don’t have the right stuff to remove it. If you do have the right stuff and the right techniques, however, it’s like wiping up spilled milk. Here are some tips for different types of gear:

For clothing or other small items: Wait till you get home and stick it in the freezer for a couple of hours until it’s very hard and crackly. Then crease the sap stain and roll the crease back and forth between your fingers. The sap should break away from the fabric. Gently scrape any residual sap off with a plastic spatula or knife.

For a sleeping bag or tent (too big for the freezer): Soak a sponge with mineral oil and scrub away. Once the sap is gone, clean the fabric with hot water. Other household substances that work: rubbing alcohol, nail polish remover, and Goo Gone. ***Tip: Always test a small, hidden area first, to make sure the fabric and/or fabric coatings don’t react.

For boot leather: Smear it with peanut butter (preferably smooth, not crunchy), work it in, then wash away.